Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s&nbsp;(R-Neb.)&nbsp;legislation to improve passenger vehicle safety passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/1/fischer-reintroduces-she-drives-act-to-improve-passenger-vehicle-safety">She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act</a>&nbsp;passed unanimously and is now eligible for a vote on the Senate floor.

If signed into law, the She DRIVES Act would enhance passenger safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. Today, the dummies used during crash testing are modeled after the average height and weight of an adult male. This bill would require the use of a female crash test dummy in addition to the male dummy, a reform that will save thousands of lives and prevent tens of thousands of serious injuries. In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

“Today, women are 17 percent more likely to be killed in auto crashes than men. That tragic statistic is a preventable one. Our bill will update crash test dummy standards to reflect the diversity of drivers on our roads, ensuring protection and safety for more Americans. I’m grateful a bipartisan group of my colleagues voted yes on this commonsense legislation, and I look forward to getting it passed soon,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Women are far more vulnerable than men to sustaining serious injuries from a car crash,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn.&nbsp;

“The&nbsp;She DRIVES Act&nbsp;would help keep our mothers and daughters safer on the road by ensuring that women are finally represented in crash testing.”

“We can be doing so much more to improve roadway safety and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,”&nbsp;said Senator Duckworth.&nbsp;

“I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed through committee and is now that much closer to helping us save lives by ensuring our crash test standards better represent the safety needs of all Americans. I’ll continue to work with Senator Fischer as we push for the full Senate to pass this bipartisan bill—because all Americans deserve safer roadways.”

“We applaud Senator Fischer for her steadfast leadership in advancing the She DRIVES Act and ensuring that vehicle safety standards account for all drivers and passengers,”&nbsp;said Women Drive Too Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Beth Brooke.&nbsp;

“This bill is a critical step toward modernizing crash testing to reflect the real-world experiences of women on the road. We are grateful for the bipartisan support from the Commerce Committee and look forward to working with Congress to see this life-saving legislation become law.”

“For far too long, vehicle safety testing standards have failed American women. Today, with the advancement of the bipartisan She DRIVES Act, the Senate Commerce Committee voted to end this fatal discrimination. While this victory is a testament to the power of collaboration across the aisle and country, the fight is not over yet. Now, it’s up to the full Senate get this across the finish line,”&nbsp;said Drive US Forward President and Founder Maria Weston Kuhn.

Office of U.S. Senator Deb FischerWASHINGTON ­–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s&nbsp;(R-Neb.)&nbsp;legislation to improve passenger vehicle safety passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/1/fischer-reintroduces-she-drives-act-to-improve-passenger-vehicle-safety">She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act</a>&nbsp;passed unanimously and is now eligible for a vote on the Senate floor.If signed into law, the She DRIVES Act would enhance passenger safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. Today, the dummies used during crash testing are modeled after the average height and weight of an adult male. This bill would require the use of a female crash test dummy in addition to the male dummy, a reform that will save thousands of lives and prevent tens of thousands of serious injuries. In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).“Today, women are 17 percent more likely to be killed in auto crashes than men. That tragic statistic is a preventable one. Our bill will update crash test dummy standards to reflect the diversity of drivers on our roads, ensuring protection and safety for more Americans. I’m grateful a bipartisan group of my colleagues voted yes on this commonsense legislation, and I look forward to getting it passed soon,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Women are far more vulnerable than men to sustaining serious injuries from a car crash,”&nbsp;said Senator Blackburn.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;She DRIVES Act&nbsp;would help keep our mothers and daughters safer on the road by ensuring that women are finally represented in crash testing.”“We can be doing so much more to improve roadway safety and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,”&nbsp;said Senator Duckworth.&nbsp;“I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed through committee and is now that much closer to helping us save lives by ensuring our crash test standards better represent the safety needs of all Americans. I’ll continue to work with Senator Fischer as we push for the full Senate to pass this bipartisan bill—because all Americans deserve safer roadways.”“We applaud Senator Fischer for her steadfast leadership in advancing the She DRIVES Act and ensuring that vehicle safety standards account for all drivers and passengers,”&nbsp;said Women Drive Too Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Beth Brooke.&nbsp;“This bill is a critical step toward modernizing crash testing to reflect the real-world experiences of women on the road. We are grateful for the bipartisan support from the Commerce Committee and look forward to working with Congress to see this life-saving legislation become law.”“For far too long, vehicle safety testing standards have failed American women. Today, with the advancement of the bipartisan She DRIVES Act, the Senate Commerce Committee voted to end this fatal discrimination. While this victory is a testament to the power of collaboration across the aisle and country, the fight is not over yet. Now, it’s up to the full Senate get this across the finish line,”&nbsp;said Drive US Forward President and Founder Maria Weston Kuhn.

Fischer Legislation to Improve Passenger Vehicle Safety  Passes Commerce Committee

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen appeared before the Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to support the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;(LB89), sponsored on his behalf by Senator Kathleen Kauth. The Governor’s testimony comes just two days after his trip to the White House where President Donald J. Trump signed the executive order:&nbsp;No Men in Women’s Sports.&nbsp;

In August 2023, Gov. Pillen signed his executive order establishing biological definitions for men and women and specifying that data collected on individuals by public schools, state agencies and offices reference the sex of the person at birth. He was the second governor in the nation to sign such an order and last month, hosted a news conference attended by athletes and state senators, supporting the introduction of LB89.&nbsp;

“We need to ensure that girls and women are not treated unfairly, especially in sports where men certainly have a physical, competitive advantage,” said Gov. Pillen. “Additionally, we need to afford girls and women the privacy and protection that they expect and deserve when they are in spaces where they could be most vulnerable to victimization.”&nbsp;

Much like the Governor’s executive order, LB89 also establishes biological definitions for men and women. Other provisions include:

Requirements apply to schools, including post-secondary institutions, as well as state agencies. Exceptions are included for situations in which a member of the opposite sex would be allowed to enter a bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;

“I am thrilled that President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect women and girls in athletics,” said Sen. Kauth. “This provides a supportive framework for states like Nebraska to implement bills like the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;to protect women and girls in all areas the state has responsibility. I look forward to strong support for the&nbsp;Stand With Women&nbsp;Act.”&nbsp;

Students from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, University of Nebraska -- Kearney, high school and college athletes plus other advocates also spoke in favor of the bill.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen appeared before the Nebraska Legislature’s Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee to support the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;(LB89), sponsored on his behalf by Senator Kathleen Kauth. The Governor’s testimony comes just two days after his trip to the White House where President Donald J. Trump signed the executive order:&nbsp;No Men in Women’s Sports.&nbsp;In August 2023, Gov. Pillen signed his executive order establishing biological definitions for men and women and specifying that data collected on individuals by public schools, state agencies and offices reference the sex of the person at birth. He was the second governor in the nation to sign such an order and last month, hosted a news conference attended by athletes and state senators, supporting the introduction of LB89.&nbsp;“We need to ensure that girls and women are not treated unfairly, especially in sports where men certainly have a physical, competitive advantage,” said Gov. Pillen. “Additionally, we need to afford girls and women the privacy and protection that they expect and deserve when they are in spaces where they could be most vulnerable to victimization.”&nbsp;Much like the Governor’s executive order, LB89 also establishes biological definitions for men and women. Other provisions include:<ul>
 <li>Requiring signage designating that restrooms and locker rooms are specifically for use by either males or females</li><li>Prohibiting use of a restroom by a member of the opposite sex</li><li>Prohibiting biological boys or men from participating in girls’ or women’s sporting activities</li>
 </ul>Requirements apply to schools, including post-secondary institutions, as well as state agencies. Exceptions are included for situations in which a member of the opposite sex would be allowed to enter a bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;“I am thrilled that President Trump is fulfilling his promise to protect women and girls in athletics,” said Sen. Kauth. “This provides a supportive framework for states like Nebraska to implement bills like the&nbsp;Stand With Women Act&nbsp;to protect women and girls in all areas the state has responsibility. I look forward to strong support for the&nbsp;Stand With Women&nbsp;Act.”&nbsp;Students from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, University of Nebraska -- Kearney, high school and college athletes plus other advocates also spoke in favor of the bill.

Governor Pillen Testifies in Support of the Stand With Women Act

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/abrown/">ALEX BROWN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;

The federal agency’s role is irreplaceable, emergency managers say.

State and local emergency managers are facing a serious question in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office: When disaster strikes, will they be able to count on the federal government?

Trump has called the Federal Emergency Management Agency a “disaster” and suggested it might “go away.” He said states would best take care of hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires on their own, with the federal government reimbursing some of the costs. He convened a council to review FEMA and recommend “improvements or structural changes.”

But leaders in states that have been hit by disasters say they need more than the promise of an eventual federal check to manage catastrophic events. They say they’re not equipped to handle the roles FEMA currently plays — such as marshaling emergency resources from multiple federal agencies, providing flood insurance, conducting damage assessments and distributing billions of dollars in recovery funds.

“FEMA has been an absolute lifesaver for people,” said Vermont state Sen. Anne Watson, a Democrat who has been involved in the state’s recovery from devastating 2023 floods. “I don’t see [states and municipalities] as being able to replicate what FEMA does. The possibility of it going away leaves millions and millions of Americans in a very vulnerable position.”

Meanwhile, Trump said last month that he wanted to make federal wildfire recovery aid to Los Angeles conditional on California enacting new laws requiring voter identification, adding further uncertainty about whether states can expect help from the feds.

Trump and his allies also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/politics/fact-check-trump-helene-response-north-carolina/index.html" target="_blank">targeted the agency</a>&nbsp;in the wake of Hurricane Helene, spreading lies that FEMA, under President Joe Biden, was diverting disaster money to immigrants without legal status; failing to provide helicopters; limiting aid to $750 per person; and cutting off support for Republican areas.

State officials say that while there’s room for a conversation about state and federal roles in disaster response, eliminating FEMA altogether would be shortsighted.

“I don’t think it makes sense&nbsp;to get rid of FEMA,” Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, said in an interview with Stateline. “There are economies of scale [that a nationwide agency provides]. States don’t have that capability built to handle a disaster every single year.”

Budd said she doesn’t believe Trump intends to terminate FEMA, calling such a move “not realistic.” She also serves as president of the National Emergency Management Association, a nonprofit comprising state and territorial emergency officials. Budd called on Trump to include state emergency managers on the council that will consider FEMA’s future.

Emergency management experts say that Trump cannot unilaterally dissolve FEMA, which would require congressional action. However, Trump already has&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/02/06/trump-wants-states-to-handle-disasters-without-fema-they-say-they-cant/Emergency%20management%20experts%20say%20that%20Trump%20cannot%20unilaterally%20dissolve%20FEMA,%20which%20would%20require%20congressional%20action.%20However,%20Trump%20already%20has%20taken%20actions%20that%20exceed%20his%20executive%20authority,%20including%20an%20attempt%20to%20freeze%20trillions%20of%20dollars%20in%20federal%20funding%20that%20had%20already%20been%20approved%20by%20Congress.">taken actions</a>&nbsp;that appear to exceed his executive authority, including an attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress.

FEMA does have some support from Trump’s Republican allies, especially given that red states have needed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-disaster-aid-fema-wildfire-hurricane-money-84e1db303b8abead10a26b95392cd980" target="_blank">more aid</a>&nbsp;in recent years. Since 2015, residents in Florida, Louisiana and Texas have received the highest amounts of individual assistance payments from FEMA, exceeding $2 billion in each state.

But experts see much to fear in cost-cutting efforts by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, which so far have focused on slashing the federal workforce and forcing out officials with decades of experience. Such actions could cripple FEMA, even if it’s not officially “abolished.”

“Senior people who don’t want to put up with this nonsense are going to walk away,” said Craig Fugate, who served as FEMA’s administrator under President Barack Obama. “It’s one thing to talk tough, it’s another to govern and provide services.”

Over the past decade, FEMA has responded to nearly 1,400 disasters, including wildfires, severe storms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The agency coordinates the federal response during emergency situations, such as calling the Pentagon to get rescue helicopters in the air or trucking in generators in the aftermath of a storm.

But the agency’s larger purpose is focused on recovery, assessing the damage to communities and distributing funding to help them rebuild. Over the last four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts.

FEMA also provides much of the nation’s flood insurance coverage, as the private market has largely pulled back from flood policies.

Some governors, including Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have said Trump’s threats to dismantle FEMA are dangerous.

“[I]t would be disastrous in and of itself for the FEMA organization to be dissolved,” he said, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/01/30/beshear-says-dismantling-fema-would-be-disastrous-though-improvements-need-to-continue/" target="_blank">Kentucky Lantern</a>.

Beshear noted that replicating FEMA’s administrative functions in each state would be far more costly than a single national agency.

FEMA, which was established in the 1950s, has taken on a larger role as Congress has added to its recovery mission, populations have grown in disaster-prone areas, and climate change has increased the frequency and severity of disasters.

The agency has faced criticism at times — most famously after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — for an overly bureaucratic system that has gotten bogged down in red tape. Some conservative groups have long argued that states should shoulder more of the burden of responding to disasters.

<a href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf" target="_blank">Project 2025</a>, a hard-right blueprint that Trump distanced himself from during the campaign but which appears to have guided many of his actions since he took office, aims to limit states’ eligibility for disaster assistance or set a deductible that states must meet before the feds step in. Such cutbacks would incentivize states to “take a more proactive role in their own preparedness and response capabilities,” it said. The document also calls for states to take on much more financial responsibility for recovery efforts.

Emergency managers say that there are opportunities to make FEMA more efficient.

Fugate, the former FEMA chief, said the underlying problem is that the agency was not designed to replace insurance coverage, but is increasingly taking on that role as private insurers abandon disaster-prone areas. And increasing the pace of payouts also increases the risk of misspent funds, he said.

“Nobody is saying we shouldn’t look at these programs and figure out how we move this money through faster,” he said. “But you’ve got that dual tension of, ‘I want to be fast but I’m a steward of the taxpayer’s dollars.’”

Amid that discussion, experts say that rushing to dismantle the federal agency would be catastrophic.

“The consequences [of dissolving FEMA] would be life-threatening,” said Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a former Obama administration official. “The states are not built for that right now.”

Local leaders who have experienced disasters say FEMA is essential.

After an EF5 tornado swept through Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013, the federal agency provided recovery support.

“Sometimes I think people have a misconception of the purpose of FEMA. And it’s not to provide lots of equipment or manpower — they can do a little bit of that, but that’s not their primary function,” said Moore Mayor Mark Hamm, whose office is nonpartisan.

Hamm was on the city council when the mile-wide tornado killed 24 people, including seven students at an elementary school. Moore said FEMA provided crucial financial resources, reimbursing the city’s exorbitant overtime costs for police and fire crews.

Moore is a bedroom community of about 63,000 people situated between Oklahoma City and Norman. The city’s annual budget is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityofmoore.com/sites/default/files/flipbooks/2025-city-budget.pdf" target="_blank">about $133 million</a>. The National Weather Service calculated the 2013 storm’s damage across the region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/tornado-report_moore-oklahoma_2013.pdf" target="_blank">$2 billion</a>. The city has been hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-ok-f5tornadoes" target="_blank">two F5 tornadoes&nbsp;</a>since 1999.

“When you have a natural disaster like the couple of F5 tornadoes that have come to our city — that would bankrupt our city, our budget,” he said. “That is a huge burden that this city just could not afford.”

Hamm said he would be open to Trump’s talk of realigning FEMA, particularly if it allowed more funds to stay directly with states like his. But he said federal disaster funding must remain intact in some way.

“When you need a lifeline, it’s reassuring to know that one is there and you can grab onto that rope, and there’s somebody on the other end pulling you to safety,” he said. “And the federal government was a lifeline, not so much in the recovery, but in providing the finances. I can’t emphasize that enough.”

Eaton County, Michigan, was hit hard in August 2023, as tornadoes, severe storms and flooding struck the mid-Michigan region. FEMA’s response helped the community navigate aid and recovery programs and apply for federal assistance.

“That federal support piece is critical to us to be able to respond and recover from disasters,” said Ryan Wilkinson, the county’s emergency manager. “Yes, we need reform for emergency management nationwide — at all levels — but shifting complete responsibility to the states would do greater harm in the long term.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639393151807.png" alt="File photo Tornado damage in Kansas" />
 <figcaption>File photo Tornado damage in Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/abrown/">ALEX BROWN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;<h2>The federal agency’s role is irreplaceable, emergency managers say.</h2>State and local emergency managers are facing a serious question in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office: When disaster strikes, will they be able to count on the federal government?Trump has called the Federal Emergency Management Agency a “disaster” and suggested it might “go away.” He said states would best take care of hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires on their own, with the federal government reimbursing some of the costs. He convened a council to review FEMA and recommend “improvements or structural changes.”But leaders in states that have been hit by disasters say they need more than the promise of an eventual federal check to manage catastrophic events. They say they’re not equipped to handle the roles FEMA currently plays — such as marshaling emergency resources from multiple federal agencies, providing flood insurance, conducting damage assessments and distributing billions of dollars in recovery funds.“FEMA has been an absolute lifesaver for people,” said Vermont state Sen. Anne Watson, a Democrat who has been involved in the state’s recovery from devastating 2023 floods. “I don’t see [states and municipalities] as being able to replicate what FEMA does. The possibility of it going away leaves millions and millions of Americans in a very vulnerable position.”Meanwhile, Trump said last month that he wanted to make federal wildfire recovery aid to Los Angeles conditional on California enacting new laws requiring voter identification, adding further uncertainty about whether states can expect help from the feds.Trump and his allies also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/politics/fact-check-trump-helene-response-north-carolina/index.html" target="_blank">targeted the agency</a>&nbsp;in the wake of Hurricane Helene, spreading lies that FEMA, under President Joe Biden, was diverting disaster money to immigrants without legal status; failing to provide helicopters; limiting aid to $750 per person; and cutting off support for Republican areas.State officials say that while there’s room for a conversation about state and federal roles in disaster response, eliminating FEMA altogether would be shortsighted.“I don’t think it makes sense&nbsp;to get rid of FEMA,” Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, said in an interview with Stateline. “There are economies of scale [that a nationwide agency provides]. States don’t have that capability built to handle a disaster every single year.”Budd said she doesn’t believe Trump intends to terminate FEMA, calling such a move “not realistic.” She also serves as president of the National Emergency Management Association, a nonprofit comprising state and territorial emergency officials. Budd called on Trump to include state emergency managers on the council that will consider FEMA’s future.Emergency management experts say that Trump cannot unilaterally dissolve FEMA, which would require congressional action. However, Trump already has&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/02/06/trump-wants-states-to-handle-disasters-without-fema-they-say-they-cant/Emergency%20management%20experts%20say%20that%20Trump%20cannot%20unilaterally%20dissolve%20FEMA,%20which%20would%20require%20congressional%20action.%20However,%20Trump%20already%20has%20taken%20actions%20that%20exceed%20his%20executive%20authority,%20including%20an%20attempt%20to%20freeze%20trillions%20of%20dollars%20in%20federal%20funding%20that%20had%20already%20been%20approved%20by%20Congress.">taken actions</a>&nbsp;that appear to exceed his executive authority, including an attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress.FEMA does have some support from Trump’s Republican allies, especially given that red states have needed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-disaster-aid-fema-wildfire-hurricane-money-84e1db303b8abead10a26b95392cd980" target="_blank">more aid</a>&nbsp;in recent years. Since 2015, residents in Florida, Louisiana and Texas have received the highest amounts of individual assistance payments from FEMA, exceeding $2 billion in each state.But experts see much to fear in cost-cutting efforts by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, which so far have focused on slashing the federal workforce and forcing out officials with decades of experience. Such actions could cripple FEMA, even if it’s not officially “abolished.”“Senior people who don’t want to put up with this nonsense are going to walk away,” said Craig Fugate, who served as FEMA’s administrator under President Barack Obama. “It’s one thing to talk tough, it’s another to govern and provide services.”<h2>FEMA’s role</h2>Over the past decade, FEMA has responded to nearly 1,400 disasters, including wildfires, severe storms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The agency coordinates the federal response during emergency situations, such as calling the Pentagon to get rescue helicopters in the air or trucking in generators in the aftermath of a storm.But the agency’s larger purpose is focused on recovery, assessing the damage to communities and distributing funding to help them rebuild. Over the last four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts.FEMA also provides much of the nation’s flood insurance coverage, as the private market has largely pulled back from flood policies.Some governors, including Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have said Trump’s threats to dismantle FEMA are dangerous.“[I]t would be disastrous in and of itself for the FEMA organization to be dissolved,” he said, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/01/30/beshear-says-dismantling-fema-would-be-disastrous-though-improvements-need-to-continue/" target="_blank">Kentucky Lantern</a>.Beshear noted that replicating FEMA’s administrative functions in each state would be far more costly than a single national agency.FEMA, which was established in the 1950s, has taken on a larger role as Congress has added to its recovery mission, populations have grown in disaster-prone areas, and climate change has increased the frequency and severity of disasters.The agency has faced criticism at times — most famously after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — for an overly bureaucratic system that has gotten bogged down in red tape. Some conservative groups have long argued that states should shoulder more of the burden of responding to disasters.<a href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf" target="_blank">Project 2025</a>, a hard-right blueprint that Trump distanced himself from during the campaign but which appears to have guided many of his actions since he took office, aims to limit states’ eligibility for disaster assistance or set a deductible that states must meet before the feds step in. Such cutbacks would incentivize states to “take a more proactive role in their own preparedness and response capabilities,” it said. The document also calls for states to take on much more financial responsibility for recovery efforts.Emergency managers say that there are opportunities to make FEMA more efficient.Fugate, the former FEMA chief, said the underlying problem is that the agency was not designed to replace insurance coverage, but is increasingly taking on that role as private insurers abandon disaster-prone areas. And increasing the pace of payouts also increases the risk of misspent funds, he said.“Nobody is saying we shouldn’t look at these programs and figure out how we move this money through faster,” he said. “But you’ve got that dual tension of, ‘I want to be fast but I’m a steward of the taxpayer’s dollars.’”Amid that discussion, experts say that rushing to dismantle the federal agency would be catastrophic.“The consequences [of dissolving FEMA] would be life-threatening,” said Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a former Obama administration official. “The states are not built for that right now.”<h2>Local experience</h2>Local leaders who have experienced disasters say FEMA is essential.After an EF5 tornado swept through Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013, the federal agency provided recovery support.“Sometimes I think people have a misconception of the purpose of FEMA. And it’s not to provide lots of equipment or manpower — they can do a little bit of that, but that’s not their primary function,” said Moore Mayor Mark Hamm, whose office is nonpartisan.Hamm was on the city council when the mile-wide tornado killed 24 people, including seven students at an elementary school. Moore said FEMA provided crucial financial resources, reimbursing the city’s exorbitant overtime costs for police and fire crews.Moore is a bedroom community of about 63,000 people situated between Oklahoma City and Norman. The city’s annual budget is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityofmoore.com/sites/default/files/flipbooks/2025-city-budget.pdf" target="_blank">about $133 million</a>. The National Weather Service calculated the 2013 storm’s damage across the region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/tornado-report_moore-oklahoma_2013.pdf" target="_blank">$2 billion</a>. The city has been hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-ok-f5tornadoes" target="_blank">two F5 tornadoes&nbsp;</a>since 1999.“When you have a natural disaster like the couple of F5 tornadoes that have come to our city — that would bankrupt our city, our budget,” he said. “That is a huge burden that this city just could not afford.”Hamm said he would be open to Trump’s talk of realigning FEMA, particularly if it allowed more funds to stay directly with states like his. But he said federal disaster funding must remain intact in some way.“When you need a lifeline, it’s reassuring to know that one is there and you can grab onto that rope, and there’s somebody on the other end pulling you to safety,” he said. “And the federal government was a lifeline, not so much in the recovery, but in providing the finances. I can’t emphasize that enough.”Eaton County, Michigan, was hit hard in August 2023, as tornadoes, severe storms and flooding struck the mid-Michigan region. FEMA’s response helped the community navigate aid and recovery programs and apply for federal assistance.“That federal support piece is critical to us to be able to respond and recover from disasters,” said Ryan Wilkinson, the county’s emergency manager. “Yes, we need reform for emergency management nationwide — at all levels — but shifting complete responsibility to the states would do greater harm in the long term.”

Trump Wants States to Handle Disasters Without FEMA - States say they can't

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both political parties wrote to the acting Social Security commissioner on Thursday, expressing concern it might take the agency more than a year to implement an expansion to benefits that Congress approved last year.

“The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),” the group of 28 senators wrote. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO.”

The senators then asked Commissioner Michelle King to provide Congress with “monthly updates and briefings” on how the agency was implementing the new law.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/252025_letter_to_ssa_re_hr82wepgpoimplementation.pdf" target="_blank">one-page letter</a>&nbsp;was signed by Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich, Colorado Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, Maine independent Sen. Angus King, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

The Social Security Administration has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html" target="_blank">webpage</a>&nbsp;with answers to several questions regarding the new law and how the agency is trying to implement the change in benefits.

The webpage says the agency “cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe for when we will adjust a person’s past or future benefits, but we will continue to provide updates on this webpage. We thank the public for its patience.”

The webpage also explains how people who have never filed for Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset can apply now that there is a new law.

A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration said the agency “received the letter and will respond directly to the requestors.” States Newsroom had asked for details about why the law’s implementation might take a year.&nbsp;

Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-benefits-boosted-millions-bill-headed-bidens-desk-1" target="_blank">voted on a broadly bipartisan basis</a>&nbsp;late last year to approve the bill making the change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-bill-expanding-social-security-benefits-retired-teachers-public-employees" target="_blank">then-President Joe Biden signed it into law</a>&nbsp;in January.

The pension offset affects about 746,000 Americans while the windfall provision affects 2.1 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12451" target="_blank">a report&nbsp;</a>from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which includes maps showing which states have higher concentrations of people affected by the two former provisions.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716140421905.png" alt="File photo Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both political parties wrote to the acting Social Security commissioner on Thursday, expressing concern it might take the agency more than a year to implement an expansion to benefits that Congress approved last year.“The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),” the group of 28 senators wrote. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO.”The senators then asked Commissioner Michelle King to provide Congress with “monthly updates and briefings” on how the agency was implementing the new law.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/252025_letter_to_ssa_re_hr82wepgpoimplementation.pdf" target="_blank">one-page letter</a>&nbsp;was signed by Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich, Colorado Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, Maine independent Sen. Angus King, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.<h2>No estimated timeframe</h2>The Social Security Administration has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html" target="_blank">webpage</a>&nbsp;with answers to several questions regarding the new law and how the agency is trying to implement the change in benefits.The webpage says the agency “cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe for when we will adjust a person’s past or future benefits, but we will continue to provide updates on this webpage. We thank the public for its patience.”The webpage also explains how people who have never filed for Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset can apply now that there is a new law.A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration said the agency “received the letter and will respond directly to the requestors.” States Newsroom had asked for details about why the law’s implementation might take a year.&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-benefits-boosted-millions-bill-headed-bidens-desk-1" target="_blank">voted on a broadly bipartisan basis</a>&nbsp;late last year to approve the bill making the change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-bill-expanding-social-security-benefits-retired-teachers-public-employees" target="_blank">then-President Joe Biden signed it into law</a>&nbsp;in January.The pension offset affects about 746,000 Americans while the windfall provision affects 2.1 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12451" target="_blank">a report&nbsp;</a>from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which includes maps showing which states have higher concentrations of people affected by the two former provisions.&nbsp;

Lawmakers press Social Security on lag in paying expanded benefits to public employees

NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.

This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.

“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”

“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”

“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.

“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.

“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.

“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.

To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739026217872.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:<ul>
 <li>Stick to trusted retail locations.</li><li>Be cautious when shopping online. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Criminals often use legitimate product photos while selling fraudulent items.</li><li>Use caution before purchasing expensive items from unfamiliar online sellers. Shop from authorized dealers with a reputation for quality merchandise to ensure a safe transaction and responsible customer service.</li><li>Look for signs of poor quality, such as sloppy stitching, missing security labels, or irregular markings on apparel.</li><li>Check your online bank statements regularly. Keep a record of purchases and confirmation pages and compare them to your bank statements. If discrepancies arise, report them immediately.</li><li>Purchase event tickets only from trusted sources, such as the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, On Location, or other reputable ticket retailers. This year, Super Bowl LIX will be entirely digital, and no paper tickets will be accepted. Screenshots or PDFs of tickets will not be valid for entry.</li>
 </ul>

$39.5M in Counterfeit Sports Merchandise Seized Ahead of Super Bowl 

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicandro Garcia Perez, age 40, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Garcia Perez to a total of 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.

On June 9, 2023, Garcia Perez was contacted by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper at a rest stop along Interstate 80 outside of York, Nebraska.&nbsp; The two engaged in conversation for a period of time before the trooper asked Garcia Perez for consent to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Garcia Perez consented to the search.&nbsp; The trooper began the search and in the back of the vehicle, under the spare tire area, the trooper found multiple square white packages, consistent with cocaine.&nbsp; The trooper also found additional bricks underneath the second and third row seats in the vehicle.&nbsp; Twenty-two bricks in total were found, for a total weight of 55.86 pounds or 25.33 kilograms.&nbsp;

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

United States Attorney's OfficeUnited States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Nicandro Garcia Perez, age 40, of Mexico, was sentenced on February 6, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Garcia Perez to a total of 46 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garcia Perez’s release from prison, he will begin a 2-year term of supervised release.On June 9, 2023, Garcia Perez was contacted by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper at a rest stop along Interstate 80 outside of York, Nebraska.&nbsp; The two engaged in conversation for a period of time before the trooper asked Garcia Perez for consent to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Garcia Perez consented to the search.&nbsp; The trooper began the search and in the back of the vehicle, under the spare tire area, the trooper found multiple square white packages, consistent with cocaine.&nbsp; The trooper also found additional bricks underneath the second and third row seats in the vehicle.&nbsp; Twenty-two bricks in total were found, for a total weight of 55.86 pounds or 25.33 kilograms.&nbsp;This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Mexico National Sentenced to Over 3 1/2 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine

(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As the Chiefs and Eagles vie for the title of Super Bowl Champion, fans across Nebraska can be the MVP of Super Bowl Sunday by driving sober.

The Nebraska State Patrol is urging everyone to have a gameplan for safe travel this Sunday. Troopers are partnering with police officers across the country to monitor for impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday.

“Whether you’re rooting for a Chiefs’ three-peat, an Eagles’ win, or you’re just a fan of the commercials, everyone should have a plan for a sober driver,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you’re traveling somewhere for the game, prepare ahead of time to have a sober driver. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl Party, don’t let impaired fans get behind the wheel.”

So far in 2025, Nebraska Troopers have made over 140 arrests for driving under the influence. Last year, NSP saw a 20% increase in DUI arrests across the state.

This effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $5,904 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. This is a part of a national campaign organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716320706146.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Cody ThomasNebraska State Patrol(Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— As the Chiefs and Eagles vie for the title of Super Bowl Champion, fans across Nebraska can be the MVP of Super Bowl Sunday by driving sober.The Nebraska State Patrol is urging everyone to have a gameplan for safe travel this Sunday. Troopers are partnering with police officers across the country to monitor for impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday.“Whether you’re rooting for a Chiefs’ three-peat, an Eagles’ win, or you’re just a fan of the commercials, everyone should have a plan for a sober driver,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “If you’re traveling somewhere for the game, prepare ahead of time to have a sober driver. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl Party, don’t let impaired fans get behind the wheel.”So far in 2025, Nebraska Troopers have made over 140 arrests for driving under the influence. Last year, NSP saw a 20% increase in DUI arrests across the state.This effort is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $5,904 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. This is a part of a national campaign organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Troopers Urge Sober Drivers to Be Part of Super Bowl Gameplan

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/school-cellphone-ban-advances-to-full-nebraska-legislature-first-of-pillens-2025-priorities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The first of Gov. Jim Pillen’s 2025 legislative priorities advanced Thursday to the full Nebraska Legislature: banning most student cellphones in public K-12 schools.

The Legislature’s Education Committee voted 7-0, with one member absent, to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59086" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 140</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, which was introduced at Pillen’s request.

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LB140-committee-amendment_2025.pdf">As amended by the committee</a>, the bill would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/04/students-teachers-endorse-bill-to-ban-cellphones-during-nebraska-school-days/">ban student use of electronic communication devices</a>, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while they are attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips.&nbsp;But it would leave school districts wide latitude of when and where they could authorize student cellphone use.

Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would need to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of school this fall. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools.&nbsp;Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the policies, if any, would be up to individual school districts.

Stakeholder participation would need to be included in drafting cellphone guidelines “to ensure that such policies are responsive to the unique needs and desires of students, parents and educators in each community.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Documents/WebViewer/152?file=ae089f55-da38-4837-aefb-379ee7d2ce8c" target="_blank">survey of 218 superintendents in October and November</a>, by the Nebraska Department of Education, indicated that 80% of responding districts had already implemented similar policies.

LB 140, supported also by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, would not prohibit such devices from being used:

Some Education Committee members said they don’t intend to prevent school districts from choosing to allow cellphones during lunch or passing periods, as many allow in existing policies.

Pillen has said his goal is to prohibit cellphones during school hours “from bell to bell.” He’s also urged parents and grandparents to limit student cellphone use at night before bed.

Sanders said she was excited that her bill advanced.&nbsp;

State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, committee chair, told the Nebraska Examiner that while cellphones can be positive, children and adults can become almost addicted to or spend too much time on their devices.

“I think most parents will celebrate the fact that the screen time for their students in school, at least, will be limited,” Murman said.

Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, said in a statement to the Examiner that the governor knows senators will give the issues in the bill “their utmost attention.”

“This is a bipartisan issue and a unified Education Committee proves that,” Strimple said in a statement.

“Guardrails are necessary to ensure that kids are free from distractions while attending school, and it’s the responsibility of adults to make sure the harmful effects of cellphone use are minimized to the greatest degree possible,” the statement continued. “Additionally, this legislation allows for Nebraska’s talented teachers to get back to teaching and not policing cellphone use in the classroom.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738938465950.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen testifies before the Legislature’s Education Committee on a bill introduced at his request to ban student cellphone use during school days. Pillen holds his cellphone to emphasize his testimony. Feb. 4, 2025. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Jim Pillen)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen testifies before the Legislature’s Education Committee on a bill introduced at his request to ban student cellphone use during school days. Pillen holds his cellphone to emphasize his testimony. Feb. 4, 2025. (Courtesy Office of Gov. Jim Pillen)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/school-cellphone-ban-advances-to-full-nebraska-legislature-first-of-pillens-2025-priorities/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The first of Gov. Jim Pillen’s 2025 legislative priorities advanced Thursday to the full Nebraska Legislature: banning most student cellphones in public K-12 schools.The Legislature’s Education Committee voted 7-0, with one member absent, to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59086" target="_blank">Legislative Bill 140</a>&nbsp;from State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, which was introduced at Pillen’s request.<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LB140-committee-amendment_2025.pdf">As amended by the committee</a>, the bill would&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/02/04/students-teachers-endorse-bill-to-ban-cellphones-during-nebraska-school-days/">ban student use of electronic communication devices</a>, such as cellphones, on school grounds or while they are attending a “school instructional function,” such as field trips.&nbsp;But it would leave school districts wide latitude of when and where they could authorize student cellphone use.Should the bill pass, all of Nebraska’s 245 school districts would need to adopt device-related policies to conform to the law by the start of school this fall. The bill doesn’t apply to private schools.&nbsp;Enforcement and possible disciplinary action for violating the policies, if any, would be up to individual school districts.Stakeholder participation would need to be included in drafting cellphone guidelines “to ensure that such policies are responsive to the unique needs and desires of students, parents and educators in each community.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Documents/WebViewer/152?file=ae089f55-da38-4837-aefb-379ee7d2ce8c" target="_blank">survey of 218 superintendents in October and November</a>, by the Nebraska Department of Education, indicated that 80% of responding districts had already implemented similar policies.LB 140, supported also by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, would not prohibit such devices from being used:<ul>
 <li>If needed as part of a student’s special education plan.</li><li>When authorized by a school district for educational purposes during instructional time.</li><li>In cases of emergency or “perceived threat of danger.”</li><li>When necessary to monitor or manage a student’s health care.</li><li>When otherwise determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.</li>
 </ul>Some Education Committee members said they don’t intend to prevent school districts from choosing to allow cellphones during lunch or passing periods, as many allow in existing policies.Pillen has said his goal is to prohibit cellphones during school hours “from bell to bell.” He’s also urged parents and grandparents to limit student cellphone use at night before bed.Sanders said she was excited that her bill advanced.&nbsp;State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, committee chair, told the Nebraska Examiner that while cellphones can be positive, children and adults can become almost addicted to or spend too much time on their devices.“I think most parents will celebrate the fact that the screen time for their students in school, at least, will be limited,” Murman said.Laura Strimple, a spokesperson for Pillen, said in a statement to the Examiner that the governor knows senators will give the issues in the bill “their utmost attention.”“This is a bipartisan issue and a unified Education Committee proves that,” Strimple said in a statement.“Guardrails are necessary to ensure that kids are free from distractions while attending school, and it’s the responsibility of adults to make sure the harmful effects of cellphone use are minimized to the greatest degree possible,” the statement continued. “Additionally, this legislation allows for Nebraska’s talented teachers to get back to teaching and not policing cellphone use in the classroom.”

School Cell Phone Ban Advances to Full Nebraska Legislature, First of Pillen’s 2025 Priorities

NCAA President Charlie Baker issued the following statement Wednesday regarding President Donald Trump's executive order that inntended to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women’s sports.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"The NCAA is an organization made up of 1,100 colleges and universities in all 50 states that collectively enroll more than 530,000 student-athletes. We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today's student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. To that end, President Trump's order provides a clear, national standard.

"The NCAA Board of Governors is reviewing the executive order and will take necessary steps to align NCAA policy in the coming days, subject to further guidance from the administration. The Association will continue to help foster welcoming environments on campuses for all student-athletes. We stand ready to assist schools as they look for ways to support any student-athletes affected by changes in the policy."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716518230646.jpeg" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NCAA President Charlie Baker issued the following statement Wednesday regarding President Donald Trump's executive order that inntended to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women’s sports.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738791483165.png" alt="President Trump signed the order during a White House ceremony Wednesday-image White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump signed the order during a White House ceremony Wednesday-image White House</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;"The NCAA is an organization made up of 1,100 colleges and universities in all 50 states that collectively enroll more than 530,000 student-athletes. We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today's student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. To that end, President Trump's order provides a clear, national standard."The NCAA Board of Governors is reviewing the executive order and will take necessary steps to align NCAA policy in the coming days, subject to further guidance from the administration. The Association will continue to help foster welcoming environments on campuses for all student-athletes. We stand ready to assist schools as they look for ways to support any student-athletes affected by changes in the policy."

NCAA responds to Trump's No Men in Women's Sports Executive Order

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Angus King (I-Maine) reintroduced the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/1/fischer-king-to-introduce-bill-expanding-access-to-paid-family-leave-providing-certainty-for-small-businesses-and-families">Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act</a>. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will make the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Employer Tax Credit permanent, helping companies of all sizes offer PFML plans to their employees.

Senators Fischer and King&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2014/7/fischer-king-introduce-bipartisan-paid-family-leave-proposal">established</a>&nbsp;the country’s first-ever nationwide PFML policy, which was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/fischer-s-paid-leave-plan-included-in-chairman-s-tax-reform-mark">included</a>&nbsp;in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/9/paid-family-leave-tax-incentive-guidance-issued">implemented</a>&nbsp;in 2018. The Senators’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/5dcd224b-5c0d-4fab-b2c3-3e6baa9d837c/paid-family-leave-119th-congress-.pdf">legislation</a>&nbsp;builds on the 2017 law to better serve working families and hourly workers. It also provides additional ways for businesses to qualify for the paid leave tax credit, such as paying for PFML insurance products, and requires greater outreach efforts to raise awareness about the credit.

U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) will introduce identical companion legislation in the House.

“America’s working families drive our economy forward and strengthen our communities. They shouldn’t have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their loved ones. That’s why Senator King and I passed the first-ever nationwide paid family leave law. Now, we need to make our legislation permanent and expand access to ensure that even more businesses can provide paid family leave to the workers who keep them running. I’m determined to get this key legislation included in whatever tax package Congress considers this year,”&nbsp;said Senator Fischer.

“I have often said that Maine is one big town with long roads and when a member of our community is hurting, we drop everything to take care of our own. However, no one should have to choose between caring for our families or receiving the next paycheck to put food on the table,”&nbsp;said Senator King.&nbsp;

“That’s why I’ve been working with my Republican colleague, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, to introduce the&nbsp;Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act&nbsp;which makes the PFML tax credit permanent.&nbsp;When families have access to care, they are able to succeed both at home and in their professional careers. Child care is more than a household priority; child care means business!”

“Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is a lifeline for workers when facing a medical condition or welcoming a newborn into the world. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act recognized the importance of PFML by helping American small businesses offer these benefits to their employees through the creation of a targeted tax credit specifically for small businesses. However, along with many other policies, this provision expires at the end of the year without action from Congress,”&nbsp;said Congressman&nbsp;Feenstra.

“That’s why I introduced legislation to extend and improve this tax credit for our small businesses so that they can provide their workers with up to 12 weeks of PFML without missing a paycheck. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I believe that, by making this policy permanent, we can deliver certainty for our small businesses, keep our workers healthy and employed, and grow our economy and rural communities.”

“The 45S tax credit, first implemented under the Trump administration, has been instrumental in helping many employers expand paid family leave benefits for their workers. However, awareness and uptake of this credit have been lower than we’d like. This legislation, which I’m pleased to introduce alongside my colleagues, will improve the credit, make it more flexible, increase employer awareness, and make the tax credit permanent,”&nbsp;said Congresswoman Bice. &nbsp;

“Taking care of your health, newborn, or family when they’re most in need shouldn’t come at the cost of paying the bills. Strong families mean strong communities and local economies,”&nbsp;said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez.&nbsp;

“With the paid family and medical leave tax credit due to expire, our bipartisan legislation will make this successful credit permanent and expand access for Washington-based businesses and newer employees, so more families can feel the benefits.”

"The Nebraska Chamber is committed to making Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business, and this bill brings us one step closer to achieving that. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit represents Nebraska business owners' desire to strengthen the state's overall workforce. The NE Chamber and businesses across the state appreciate Senator Fischer's continued leadership on this issue,”&nbsp;said President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Bryan Sloane.&nbsp;“The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce appreciates Senator Fischer’s leadership in her efforts to empower small businesses to provide paid family and medical leave. Senator Fischer’s continued efforts by way of introducing her Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is a continuation of her commitment to employers, employees, families, and communities. We view this crucial policy initiative as something that should be included in any larger pro-growth tax policy package that might be considered,”&nbsp;said Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Jason Ball.

“The Greater Omaha Chamber is grateful to Senators Fischer and King for introducing this important legislation. While a broad representation of our membership offers various types of paid leave, incentives will matter to companies and businesses who have greater barriers to offering paid leave, especially our smallest members. This proposed legislation allows us greater opportunities to care holistically for employees the way we strive to, and aligns with the Chamber’s mission,”&nbsp;said Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO Heath Mello.“The Nebraska Grocers and all our affiliates thank Senator Fischer for her commitment to businesses, families, and communities. By embracing incentives, rather than imposing burdensome and impractical mandates, this Act recognizes that business owners want to provide flexibility to their most valuable resource - their dedicated employees. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is genuinely helpful, responsible policymaking which empowers both employers and employees,”&nbsp;said Nebraska Grocery Industry Association Executive Director Ansley Fellers.

Full List of Nebraska Endorsements:

Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Mutual of Omaha,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4475f2ce-fe06-4ed1-9894-51dc3cf92e35/senator-fischer-s-paid-family-leave-tax-credit-legislation2025.pdf">Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, Nebraska Hospitality Association, and Nebraska Retail Federation.</a>National Stakeholder Support:

“AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans age 50 and older, is pleased to endorse the bipartisan Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. This legislation will provide consistency and certainty to businesses by making tax credit 45S permanent. In addition, the proposed enhancements to the credit will encourage more employers to provide this important benefit to support working family caregivers with low to moderate incomes,”&nbsp;said AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Bill Sweeney.“Too many people today face the difficult choice between earning a paycheck and caring for themselves or family member. Senators Fischer and King are offering a bipartisan solution that will go a long way toward helping working families facing this dilemma. The enhanced tax credit will enable more employers—especially small employers— to offer their workers a paid family and medical leave benefit. It also will help more people access this benefit by making it easier for employers to qualify for the credit. Most important, the legislation gives people peace of mind knowing they’ll be protected from economic loss when taking time off from work to care for themselves or a loved one. We applaud Senators Fischer and King for advancing this legislation that offers working Americans the help they want and need,” said&nbsp;American Council of Life Insurers President &amp; CEO David Chavern.

“Over the last year, the AICPA has worked closely with staff from both Senator Fischer and Senator King‘s offices on important legislation that would help families and middle income households by allowing more employers to offer the benefit of paid family and medical leave to their employees by making the tax credit permanent. We applaud Senators Fischer and King for their thoughtful and consistent leadership on this bill and offer our strong support,”&nbsp;said American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Vice President of Tax Policy &amp; Advocacy Melanie Lauridsen.“Benefits like paid family leave help restaurant operators recruit skilled hospitality professionals. Making the Paid Family, Medical Leave tax credit program pilot permanent would support the growth of the small business operators who are considering or offering PFML. In the current economy, we appreciate Sens. Fisher and King’s efforts to support small business restaurant owners and their employees by continuing this program,”&nbsp;said National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy.&nbsp;

“NFIB thanks Senator Fischer and Senator King for introducing the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. Incentivizing small business owners to offer paid family and medical leave rather than penalizing them for failing to provide a benefit that they cannot afford is a wise policy for the small business owners,”&nbsp;said National Federation of Independent Businesses Vice President Federal Government Relations Jeff Brabant.“BPC Action is proud to endorse&nbsp;the&nbsp;Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act&nbsp;to make permanent and expand the employer tax credit for paid family and medical leave, known as 45S, and applauds Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Angus King (I-ME) for their bipartisan leadership on this bill. As BPC has found, ‘In an ever-changing economy and tight labor market, paid family and medical leave can importantly encourage workers to stay in the labor force, support household finances, and help businesses compete for workers.’ This bill is critical to helping businesses provide&nbsp;paid leave benefits&nbsp;to more hardworking American families. We urge Congress to take up this proposal, originally enacted as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs&nbsp;Act,"&nbsp;said Bipartisan Policy Center President Michele Stockwell.

"We the People send Americans into the halls of government with the opportunity to do the Will of the People, to do good. As such, it is perpetually our hope that our elected officials will execute such Will and enact laws that will serve the People, especially in cases where it is feasible in order to ease the burdens that life sometimes thrusts upon us where loved ones, families and businesses are most affected. The PFML Tax Credit Bill provides a judicious antidote for a malaise that has existed for far too long for so many Americans and businesses. More specifically, the PFML Bill effectively eliminates the decision of having to choose between family and a paycheck. In short, it gives individuals, families and employers the relief and peace of mind that they desperately need. On behalf of the American Caregiver Association, I encourage all those who are willing, to support U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Senator Angus King and their continuing efforts to make the PFML Tax Credit Bill permanent,”&nbsp;said American Caregiver Association President Vincent S. Pettis.“At SHRM, we are committed to advancing smart, practical policies that strengthen workplaces, empower HR professionals, and maximize human potential. As employers innovate to provide leave options that support well-being and family care, public policy must keep pace—offering incentives that encourage organizations to expand access to leave while maintaining the flexibility needed to design and sustain these programs. A balanced approach ensures that more workers can benefit from this critical support. At SHRM, we prioritize policy over politics and view this effort as a strong example of bipartisan collaboration and constructive policymaking in Congress,”&nbsp;said Society for Human Resource Management Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs Emily M. Dickens, J.D.

“On behalf of our nation’s 2.95 million Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) business owners and entrepreneurs, National ACE applauds Senators Fischer and King for their leadership in reintroducing the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act. Access to paid family and medical leave is vital for small business owners and their employees, particularly within the AAPI community, where caregiving responsibilities often extend across generations. This bipartisan effort provides much-needed support for entrepreneurs striving to balance business success with the well-being of their workforce. We are proud to support this legislation and look forward to working together to ensure small businesses have the resources they need to thrive,”&nbsp;said National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship President and CEO Chiling Tong.“The Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act is essential to help ensure that more small business owners can offer paid family medical leave to their employees. Policies that include support for business owners and working families through programs like paid family leave help address the economic needs of our small businesses and workforce while at the same time making sure small business owners can compete against their larger counterparts. We thank Senators Fischer and King for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation and applaud the efforts to both expand access to this credit and ensure that the tax credit is permanent,”&nbsp;said National Association of Women Business Owners Board Chair Dr. Janis Shinkawa.

“We are pleased to see the reintroduction of this legislation by Senators Fischer and King and thank them for their leadership on this critical issue. This legislation will encourage employers around the country to offer paid leave to their employees, increasing the number of Americans with paid leave coverage. Paid leave strengthens families and the economy by enabling workers to keep their jobs when they need to care for themselves or a loved one, while helping businesses retain valued employees,”&nbsp;said Sun Life U.S. President Dan Fishbein, M.D.Full List of National Endorsements:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f31d1dc2-18f4-4bd6-9ea4-e50a1e570429/letter-paid-family-and-medical-leave-tax-credit-extension-and-enhancement-act-fischer-king-tax-credit-1-.pdf">AARP</a>, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM), American Council of Life Insurers, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), National Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), American Caregiver Association, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), National Asian Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship, National Association of Women Business Owners, and Sun Life U.S.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) created a two-year general business tax credit for employers that voluntarily offer up to 12 weeks of PFML to employees. Congress has extended the credit through 2025. The credit also includes an income cap for eligible employees to ensure that it remains targeted to those who need it the most.

Under current law, an employer must meet the following criteria to claim the credit: offer all qualifying employees at least two weeks of PFML, have a written PFML policy in effect, and pay at least 50 percent of an employee’s normal wages while the employee is on PFML. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), only 19 percent of those working for employers with less than 50 employees have access to PFML.

Senators Fischer and King’s legislation builds on the existing credit by making the following changes:

Updating the Treatment of Paid Leave Required by State or Local Mandates:

Supporting Coverage of PFL Insurance Premiums:

Reducing the Minimum Employment Period Requirement:

Requiring Greater Outreach and Awareness:

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/5dcd224b-5c0d-4fab-b2c3-3e6baa9d837c/paid-family-leave-119th-congress-.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read a summary of the bill.&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/ecdf659d-4b05-45cd-a5e0-afb26ff952ed/paid-family-and-medical-leave-tax-credit-extension-and-enhancement-act.pdf">here</a>&nbsp;to read the text of the bill.

Fischer, King Reintroduce Legislation to Help America’s Working Families

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska State Legislature’s Education Committee on LB140 which proposes banning the use of cell phones by students at school. Senator Rita Sanders introduced the bill at the request of the Governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There are two reasons for this bill. First, it addresses what has become one of the most frequent and difficult to manage distractions in the classroom – students’ cell phones,” said Gov. Pillen. “The second reason for this legislation is the serious impact that constant cell phone use has on our kids.”&nbsp;

LB140 requires the school boards of each public school district to adopt a policy establishing the rules and standards for cell usage. The bill also spells out certain exceptions like when the cell phone is authorized by a teacher for educational purposes, in the case of an emergency, and for monitoring and management of a student’s health care situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During his testimony, Gov. Pillen referenced findings from Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.&nbsp;Haidt noted that young people receive 192 alerts from top social apps each day, equating to 11 notifications per waking hour, or one notification every five minutes.&nbsp;

Sen. Sanders said that for students to have the best chance of success in school, creating an educational environment free from digital distraction is key. “I am committed to supporting policies that prioritize the well-being and academic growth of every student. By removing electronic communication devices from the classroom, we can create that environment, allowing both teachers and students to fully succeed."&nbsp;

“Our teachers need to be focused on helping their students learn, not policing cell phone use. LB140 provides a commonsense approach to this issue, so that all our schools are on a level playing field,” said Gov. Pillen.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the Governor addressed the committee, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Brian Maher also testified in support of the bill.

Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen testified before the Nebraska State Legislature’s Education Committee on LB140 which proposes banning the use of cell phones by students at school. Senator Rita Sanders introduced the bill at the request of the Governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There are two reasons for this bill. First, it addresses what has become one of the most frequent and difficult to manage distractions in the classroom – students’ cell phones,” said Gov. Pillen. “The second reason for this legislation is the serious impact that constant cell phone use has on our kids.”&nbsp;LB140 requires the school boards of each public school district to adopt a policy establishing the rules and standards for cell usage. The bill also spells out certain exceptions like when the cell phone is authorized by a teacher for educational purposes, in the case of an emergency, and for monitoring and management of a student’s health care situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;During his testimony, Gov. Pillen referenced findings from Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.&nbsp;Haidt noted that young people receive 192 alerts from top social apps each day, equating to 11 notifications per waking hour, or one notification every five minutes.&nbsp;Sen. Sanders said that for students to have the best chance of success in school, creating an educational environment free from digital distraction is key. “I am committed to supporting policies that prioritize the well-being and academic growth of every student. By removing electronic communication devices from the classroom, we can create that environment, allowing both teachers and students to fully succeed."&nbsp;“Our teachers need to be focused on helping their students learn, not policing cell phone use. LB140 provides a commonsense approach to this issue, so that all our schools are on a level playing field,” said Gov. Pillen.&nbsp;&nbsp;After the Governor addressed the committee, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Brian Maher also testified in support of the bill.

   Gov. Pillen Testifies on Legislation to Ban Cell Phones in Schools 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON — Two large unions and an alliance that together represent millions of government and retired workers are suing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for allowing a “massive and unprecedented” intrusion into Americans’ personal data, beginning last week when the newly confirmed secretary handed over the department’s payment system to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

The American Federation of Government Employees, Service Employees International Union and Alliance for Retired Americans filed suit Monday arguing that members of Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency broke federal privacy laws by infiltrating the system that handles trillions in payments — including income taxes, Social Security benefits and veterans pay.

“Millions of people cannot avoid engaging in financial transactions with the federal government and, therefore, cannot avoid having their sensitive personal and financial information maintained in government records,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.citizen.org/wp-content/uploads/1-Complaint-7.pdf" target="_blank">complaint</a>&nbsp;filed in the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.

The plaintiffs are represented by two legal aid groups, the Public Citizen Litigation Group and the State Democracy Defenders Fund.

“Secretary Bessent’s action granting DOGE-affiliated individuals full, continuous, and ongoing access to that information for an unspecified period of time means that retirees, taxpayers, federal employees, companies, and other individuals from all walks of life have no assurance that their information will receive the protection that federal law affords,” the complaint continued.

A rally was also scheduled for late Tuesday afternoon at the Treasury Department to protest Musk’s moves.

DOGE, an acronym for the Department of Government Efficiency, is not a government department. Agencies within the executive branch can only be created&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10158#:~:text=These%20orders%20and%20proposals%20have,various%20statutory%20functions%20and%20duties." target="_blank">by Congress</a>.

Trump convened DOGE, following a campaign promise to major campaign donor Musk, via an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/establishing-and-implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;signed on his first day in office. The order renamed the U.S. Digital Service — the information technology arm of the federal government — to the U.S. DOGE Service.

The order also established an 18-month “U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization” for the purposes of “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.”

Trump and Musk — and former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who is no longer part of the temporary endeavor — touted on the campaign trail the creation of an entity that would cut $2 trillion in government spending.

Trump has since named Musk a temporary “special government employee,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/white-house-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-speaks-to-reporters/655306" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters Monday, adding that she was “not sure” which security clearances Musk has.

The Washington Post first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/31/elon-musk-treasury-department-payment-systems/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Friday that a top Treasury official was placed on administrative leave by the Trump White House for refusing to allow personnel from so-called DOGE to access the federal payment system.

WIRED reported that Musk’s DOGE team is largely made up of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-government-young-engineers/" target="_blank">engineers ages 19 to 24</a>&nbsp;who have ties to Musk’s other companies.

WIRED further&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-associate-bfs-federal-payment-system/" target="_blank">uncovered</a>&nbsp;that one 25-year-old engineer, Marko Elez, now reportedly has the ability to read and write code for two of Treasury’s most sensitive systems — the Payment Automation Manager and the Secure Payment System, both managed by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.

States Newsroom reached out to the White House, the Department of the Treasury, and to representatives of DOGE for comment but did not receive responses.

Representatives from the U.S. DOGE Service continued accessing sensitive government files over the weekend when personnel demanded entry into computer systems at the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.

At least two USAID security officials were put on administrative leave after initially refusing to grant access, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/politics/usaid-washington-workers/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>.

Democratic lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/members-congress-refused-entry-usaid-agency-shuttered-trump-administration" target="_blank">protested</a>&nbsp;outside the agency’s main office on Monday and vowed a legal fight. States Newsroom witnessed the lawmakers being denied entry into the USAID offices.

USAID employees who work in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center were told in emails and text blasts not to report to the office Monday.

The agency’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://usaid.gov/" target="_blank">USAID.gov</a>, and its X social media&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/USAID" target="_blank">account</a>&nbsp;went dark Saturday. Musk owns X.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738775286116.png" alt="Elon Musk at an inauguration event - File photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Elon Musk at an inauguration event - File photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — Two large unions and an alliance that together represent millions of government and retired workers are suing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for allowing a “massive and unprecedented” intrusion into Americans’ personal data, beginning last week when the newly confirmed secretary handed over the department’s payment system to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738777717486.png" alt="U.S. Senator from Connecticut Chris Murphy during a rally against Musk on Tuessday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator from Connecticut Chris Murphy during a rally against Musk on Tuessday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The American Federation of Government Employees, Service Employees International Union and Alliance for Retired Americans filed suit Monday arguing that members of Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency broke federal privacy laws by infiltrating the system that handles trillions in payments — including income taxes, Social Security benefits and veterans pay.“Millions of people cannot avoid engaging in financial transactions with the federal government and, therefore, cannot avoid having their sensitive personal and financial information maintained in government records,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.citizen.org/wp-content/uploads/1-Complaint-7.pdf" target="_blank">complaint</a>&nbsp;filed in the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia.The plaintiffs are represented by two legal aid groups, the Public Citizen Litigation Group and the State Democracy Defenders Fund.“Secretary Bessent’s action granting DOGE-affiliated individuals full, continuous, and ongoing access to that information for an unspecified period of time means that retirees, taxpayers, federal employees, companies, and other individuals from all walks of life have no assurance that their information will receive the protection that federal law affords,” the complaint continued.A rally was also scheduled for late Tuesday afternoon at the Treasury Department to protest Musk’s moves.<h2>What is DOGE?</h2>DOGE, an acronym for the Department of Government Efficiency, is not a government department. Agencies within the executive branch can only be created&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10158#:~:text=These%20orders%20and%20proposals%20have,various%20statutory%20functions%20and%20duties." target="_blank">by Congress</a>.Trump convened DOGE, following a campaign promise to major campaign donor Musk, via an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/establishing-and-implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency/" target="_blank">executive order</a>&nbsp;signed on his first day in office. The order renamed the U.S. Digital Service — the information technology arm of the federal government — to the U.S. DOGE Service.The order also established an 18-month “U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization” for the purposes of “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.”Trump and Musk — and former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who is no longer part of the temporary endeavor — touted on the campaign trail the creation of an entity that would cut $2 trillion in government spending.Trump has since named Musk a temporary “special government employee,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/white-house-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-speaks-to-reporters/655306" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;reporters Monday, adding that she was “not sure” which security clearances Musk has.<h2>Youthful engineers</h2>The Washington Post first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/31/elon-musk-treasury-department-payment-systems/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Friday that a top Treasury official was placed on administrative leave by the Trump White House for refusing to allow personnel from so-called DOGE to access the federal payment system.WIRED reported that Musk’s DOGE team is largely made up of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-government-young-engineers/" target="_blank">engineers ages 19 to 24</a>&nbsp;who have ties to Musk’s other companies.WIRED further&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-associate-bfs-federal-payment-system/" target="_blank">uncovered</a>&nbsp;that one 25-year-old engineer, Marko Elez, now reportedly has the ability to read and write code for two of Treasury’s most sensitive systems — the Payment Automation Manager and the Secure Payment System, both managed by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.States Newsroom reached out to the White House, the Department of the Treasury, and to representatives of DOGE for comment but did not receive responses.<h2>DOGE in USAID</h2>Representatives from the U.S. DOGE Service continued accessing sensitive government files over the weekend when personnel demanded entry into computer systems at the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.At least two USAID security officials were put on administrative leave after initially refusing to grant access, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/politics/usaid-washington-workers/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a>.Democratic lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/members-congress-refused-entry-usaid-agency-shuttered-trump-administration" target="_blank">protested</a>&nbsp;outside the agency’s main office on Monday and vowed a legal fight. States Newsroom witnessed the lawmakers being denied entry into the USAID offices.USAID employees who work in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center were told in emails and text blasts not to report to the office Monday.The agency’s website,&nbsp;<a href="http://usaid.gov/" target="_blank">USAID.gov</a>, and its X social media&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/USAID" target="_blank">account</a>&nbsp;went dark Saturday. Musk owns X.

Lawsuit Filed Over Attempts by Elon Musk’s DOGE to take Over U.S. Benefit Payment System

During Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter emphasizes the urgent need for advocacy and awareness in Black communities, which continue to be disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts and Figures report, older Black Americans are almost twice as likely as older white individuals to be living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia—yet they are less likely to receive a diagnosis. This disparity highlights systemic barriers in healthcare access, research participation, and support services for underrepresented and underserved communities.

“Alzheimer’s is a public health crisis that significantly affects Black communities, yet access to timely diagnoses, high-quality care, and vital support remains uneven,” said Sadie Hinkel, Programming Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter. “During Black History Month and beyond, we are committed to amplifying Black voices, addressing health disparities, and working toward a future where every individual impacted by Alzheimer’s has access to the care and support they deserve.”

Key findings from the Alzheimer’s Association report these challenges:

To continue this vital conversation, the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter invites the community to join an informative webinar:

Navigating Brain Health Beyond Black History MonthHosted by the Black/African American Community Impact GroupDate:&nbsp;Friday, February 28, 2025Time:&nbsp;12 p.m. CTWho Should Attend:&nbsp;Open to the publicRegister Here:&nbsp;<a href="https://alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sAwdDMTFQoysIG7Qlq2ExQ#/registration" target="_blank">https://alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sAwdDMTFQoysIG7Qlq2ExQ#/registration</a>

This webinar will explore brain health, care navigation, and community engagement while providing actionable steps and resources to support well-being in Black communities.

Jenna Hynek&nbsp;Alzheimer’s Association&nbsp;During Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter emphasizes the urgent need for advocacy and awareness in Black communities, which continue to be disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Facts and Figures report, older Black Americans are almost twice as likely as older white individuals to be living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia—yet they are less likely to receive a diagnosis. This disparity highlights systemic barriers in healthcare access, research participation, and support services for underrepresented and underserved communities.“Alzheimer’s is a public health crisis that significantly affects Black communities, yet access to timely diagnoses, high-quality care, and vital support remains uneven,” said Sadie Hinkel, Programming Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter. “During Black History Month and beyond, we are committed to amplifying Black voices, addressing health disparities, and working toward a future where every individual impacted by Alzheimer’s has access to the care and support they deserve.”Key findings from the Alzheimer’s Association report these challenges:<ul>
 <li>Only 20% of Black Americans report facing no barriers to excellent healthcare and support for Alzheimer’s or other dementias.</li><li>65% of Black Americans say they personally know someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.</li><li>Only 53% of Black Americans believe a cure for Alzheimer’s will be distributed fairly across all racial and ethnic groups.</li>
 </ul>To continue this vital conversation, the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter invites the community to join an informative webinar:Navigating Brain Health Beyond Black History MonthHosted by the Black/African American Community Impact GroupDate:&nbsp;Friday, February 28, 2025Time:&nbsp;12 p.m. CTWho Should Attend:&nbsp;Open to the publicRegister Here:&nbsp;<a href="https://alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sAwdDMTFQoysIG7Qlq2ExQ#/registration" target="_blank">https://alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sAwdDMTFQoysIG7Qlq2ExQ#/registration</a>This webinar will explore brain health, care navigation, and community engagement while providing actionable steps and resources to support well-being in Black communities.

Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter Calls for Greater Awareness and Advocacy in Black Communities During Black History Month

Alliance, Neb. - On February 1 st, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Rainbow Motel for a complaint of a physical disturbance. The reporting party advised that a male, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, was kicking on his door attempting to get in. 

Officers arrived on the scene and identified the male as George L Boyd III (I/M 04/13/1992). Boyd appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, as he was making unusual gestures and statements, at one point claiming to be a “Federal Agent”. Officers also observed what appeared to be a marijuana blunt in the male’s hand.

Officers advised Boyd that he was going to be taken into custody, and Boyd resisted, eventually fleeing&nbsp;down an alley. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit to the 400 block of Toluca where an officer deployed a Bolawrap. After the deployment, the officer attempted to affect an arrest when Boyd swung at the officer with an object in his hand. Additional officers and troopers arrived on scene, and a second Bolawrap was deployed, which allowed officers to subdue Boyd.

The Bolawrap is a handheld restraint tool that fires a Kevlar tether around a subjects arms or legs. This tool allows officers to manage non- compliant individuals without pain or injury and reduces the need to use higher levels of force.

A search of Boyd was conducted which revealed several items including methamphetamine, marijuana paraphernalia and marijuana. Boyd was transported to the Box Butte County Jail where he is currently facing charges of:

• Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738598762391.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Alliance Police DepartmentAlliance, Neb. - On February 1 st, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Rainbow Motel for a complaint of a physical disturbance. The reporting party advised that a male, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, was kicking on his door attempting to get in. Officers arrived on the scene and identified the male as George L Boyd III (I/M 04/13/1992). Boyd appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, as he was making unusual gestures and statements, at one point claiming to be a “Federal Agent”. Officers also observed what appeared to be a marijuana blunt in the male’s hand.Officers advised Boyd that he was going to be taken into custody, and Boyd resisted, eventually fleeing&nbsp;down an alley. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit to the 400 block of Toluca where an officer deployed a Bolawrap. After the deployment, the officer attempted to affect an arrest when Boyd swung at the officer with an object in his hand. Additional officers and troopers arrived on scene, and a second Bolawrap was deployed, which allowed officers to subdue Boyd.The Bolawrap is a handheld restraint tool that fires a Kevlar tether around a subjects arms or legs. This tool allows officers to manage non- compliant individuals without pain or injury and reduces the need to use higher levels of force.A search of Boyd was conducted which revealed several items including methamphetamine, marijuana paraphernalia and marijuana. Boyd was transported to the Box Butte County Jail where he is currently facing charges of:• Disturbing the Peace• Obstructing a Peace Officer• Resisting Arrest• Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance• Possession of Marijuana 1 oz or Less• Possession or use of Drug Paraphernalia